The Hindu : Sheila takes serious note of toll tax row

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 23, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Sheila takes serious note of toll tax row

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, MARCH 22 . Taking a strong note of the irregularities in toll tax, the Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, is learnt to have sought an explanation from the Congress leaders in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and directed the Municipal Commissioner, Rakesh Mehta, to ensure that the "rule book was followed" while finalising the contract for the private company which would be collecting toll tax for the next three years.

In another related development, the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president, Prem Singh, has not only sought an explanation, but also asked the Delhi Mayor, Ashok K. Jain, to submit a report on the alleged attempt to restrict competition among the private companies for collection of toll tax in the Capital from May 1.

Mr. Jain has put a big question mark on the approach adopted by the MCD House and the Standing Committee on this issue, by writing letters to Mr. Mehta.

It is believed that the party high command has taken a strong note of the recent developments in toll tax particularly the fact that the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is holding an inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the entire process. Also, the Delhi Chief Secretary, Shailja Chandra, has written to Mr. Mehta stating that certain financial dealings are under the scrutiny of the Anti-Corruption Branch of Delhi Government. The Central Bureau of Investigations has already taken into custody some key files related to the toll tax process.

The steps by the senior party leaders, including Ms. Dikshit, have come after three dozen Congress Councillors met them in the past few days complaining that certain decisions of the Standing Committee and the House and activities of some of their MCD leaders were not only bringing a bad name to the party, but also giving the Delhi Lieutenant-Governor, Vijai Kapoor, a chance to supersede the elected body.

The agitated Councillors complained that a group of influential leaders have purposefully short-listed just two companies so as to favour a particular private company. Referring to the recommendations of the Hem Chand Goyal sub-committee, the Councillors said that the changes recommended were unprofessional and were made keeping in mind the qualifications of a particular company.

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